Definition of "fainthearted"

Upon this, our guide, who, by the way, was but a fainthearted fellow, bid us keep in a ready posture, for he believed there were more wolves a-coming. We kept our arms ready, and our eyes about us...

1719, Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe‎

"Fainthearted knight! You should have stayed and covered my retreat. Hark! they are coming! Hide! Hide!" she panted, half in fear, half in merriment, as the gay pursuers rapidly drew nearer.

1866, Louisa May Alcott, Behind a Mask: or, A Woman's Power‎